What Is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria
is a highly contagious infection. It can be life-threatening. It is caused by specific bacteria. The germ produces a toxin that can spread from the site of infection to other tissues in the body. Diphtheria usually affects the throat and nose. In serious cases, it may affect the nervous system and heart.

Diphtheria spreads easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. People nearby breathe in the infected droplets. In rare cases, they come into direct contact with elements from an infected person’s mouth, nose, throat, or skin.

Because of a widespread immunization program, diphtheria is now rare in the United States.

What Is the Diphtheria Vaccine?

The diphtheria vaccine is an inactivated toxin called a toxoid. There are different types of the vaccines to prevent diphtheria, including:

Very rare reactions may include long-term seizures, brain damage, and coma.

Tdap

Mild reactions may include:

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

Low-grade fever

Headache

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Fatigue

More serious reactions include fever over 102°F (38.9°C), extensive swelling, severe pain, bleeding, and redness in the arm where the shot was given.

Td

Mild reactions may include:

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

Low-grade fever

Headache

Fatigue

More serious reactions include fever over 102°F (38.9°C), extensive swelling, severe pain, bleeding, and redness in the arm where the shot was given.

Acetaminophen is sometimes given to help prevent pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. In infants, the medication may make the vaccine weak. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen.
For children who have had a seizure in the past, controlling any fever may be important.

Acetaminophen is sometimes given to help prevent pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. In infants, the medication may make the vaccine weak. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen.
For children who have had a seizure in the past, controlling any fever may be important.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated?

You should not get the vaccine if you:

Have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine

Suffer from a brain or nervous system disease within 7 days after a previous dose of the vaccine

Have had certain conditions after a previous dose of the vaccine, such as coma or a seizure

Are moderately or severely ill

Talk to your doctor if the person getting the vaccine has any nervous system problems or has had Guillain-Barre syndrome. Also talk to your doctor if your child has previously had a very high fever or nonstop crying after a previous dose of the vaccine.

What Other Ways Can Diphtheria Be Prevented Besides Vaccination?

Prevention depends on getting the vaccine and responding quickly to outbreaks.

What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?

Suspected cases of diphtheria need to be reported right away to public health authorities.

In the event of a suspected or confirmed outbreak, close contacts are at risk. For close contacts, treatment includes:

Getting a vaccine dose right away if one is needed

Having samples taken for lab tests, taking antibiotics, and being followed closely

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Tdap vaccine: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html. Updated May 9, 2013. Accessed June 5, 2013.